to use superior numbers to their advantage . this could sometimes be effective , with reports of them advancing in crescent formation in an attempt to out ##fl ##an ##k and surround their opponents , waiting out the first volley of shots and then hurling their spears while the settlers re ##loaded . however , such open warfare usually proved more costly for the ab ##ori ##gin ##es than the europeans . central to the success of the europeans was the use of firearms . however , the advantages afforded by firearms have often been overs ##tated . prior to the late 19th century , firearms were often cum ##bers ##ome muzzle @ - @ loading , smooth @ - @ bore , single shot mu ##ske ##ts
to use superior numbers to their advantage. this could sometimes be effective, with reports of them advancing in crescent formation in an attempt to outflank and surround their opponents, waiting out the first volley of shots and then hurling their spears while the settlers reloaded. however, such open warfare usually proved more costly for the aborigines than the europeans. central to the success of the europeans was the use of firearms. however, the advantages afforded by firearms have often been overstated. prior to the late 19th century, firearms were often cumbersome muzzle @ - @ loading, smooth @ - @ bore, single shot muskets